Main menu

Inspiring Stories of Human Rights

Be part of the excitement and emotion at the 2018 Human Rights Awards as we celebrate some of the people doing extraordinary human rights work in Australia. Tickets are now on sale.

Each year we recognise more than forty-five individuals and organisations committed to making a difference in their communities.

Last year this included transgender activist Georgie Stone, who was recognised for her efforts to make life a little easier for other young people just like her.

And then there was the raw emotion of rugby league superstar Jonathan Thurston as he accepted the Human Rights Medal for his work with Aboriginal children in Queensland.

“What makes the Human Rights Awards special is the joy in the room as we celebrate the achievements of impressive Australians in advancing human rights,” said Commission President Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher.

This year’s Awards have a special significance as they coincide with the 70th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

“When thinking of the Awards I’m reminded of the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the drafters of the Universal Declaration.

“She said that universal human rights begin in small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world — in the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he or she lives in; the school or college they attend; the factory, farm, or office where they work,” said Professor Croucher.

The finalists for the 2018 Human Rights Awards will be announced on the Awards website and on our social media channels in the coming weeks.